McCallum says shooting emphasizes need for Surrey to have own police force

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says it believes the shooting that killed a 22-year-old man in Surrey early Friday morning is related to ongoing gang violence throughout the Lower Mainland.

IHIT is investigating the shooting that happened just before 1:30 a.m. in the 14200-block of 70A Avenue.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and Surrey RCMP say he was found “on the ground outside of a residence.”

In a news release from IHIT, Corporal Frank Jang said detectives believe the shooting was targeted.

“Although investigators are still working to determine the motive behind this homicide, there are no indications of an increased risk to the public as a result of this incident,” Jang said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Should anyone wish to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The shooting was Surrey’s 11th homicide of the year. Eight of the victims died by gunfire.

#IHIT is on scene in the 14200-block of 70A Ave, #SurreyBC after a man was found dead outside a home at 1:30am this morning. It is believed to be a targeted incident and associated to the ongoing lower mainland gang conflict. Got info? Call #IHIT

On Friday morning, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum issued a statement, saying the shooting “is yet another example of the ongoing trauma and fear that are being inflicted on the communities, residents and families of Surrey.”

It further emphasizes the need for Surrey to have its own city police force, McCallum added.

“The people of Surrey have been abundantly clear that such a move is a top priority, which is why Council and I have moved immediately to establish a Surrey Police Department and terminate the city’s contract with the RCMP,” the statement read.

“While Surrey City Council is moving rapidly on this front, I am dismayed by the resistance that is being encountered at the Provincial level. The overwhelming mandate that we have been given by the people is to complete the transition to a Surrey Police Department as quickly as possible.”

“I want to urge the Premier to remove any road blocks at the Provincial level and help us make this critical transition proceed in the most timely and smooth manner possible for the people of Surrey.”

In an emailed statement from Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, he said people deserve to feel safe in their communities and neighbourhoods, and “this violence in completely unacceptable.”

“As the Premier said, we are working with Surrey as they develop a plan for their own police force. Let’s be clear. No one is putting up any roadblocks. We are prepared to work with the Mayor – he has to be willing to work too.”

Farnworth also said a new police for “isn’t created over the weekend,” adding the province is committed to working with the city as they move forward.

“We want to make sure there is a solid plan in place to ensure the people of Surrey have strong policing they can be confident in. We have also made significant new investments in Surrey in anti-gang programs and enhanced policing and will continue to work to ensure people can feel safe.”

There have been at least 34 shootings in Surrey in 2018. There were 59 shootings in Surrey during 2017, in 2016 there were 61 and in 2015 there were 88.

Anyone with information can call the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).